01x03 - I Considered A Negotiated Resolution, But May I Biff and Pow Those Noblemen Instead?

[bunniefuu]

It is so very good to have you.

I understand you're seeking

a rare sl*ve of some kind?

Still, while I recognize you want a sl*ve

so badly as to go behind your parents' backs,

it's below the dignity of such a

fine noble lady to have dealings

with a reprobate like Junk.

I had no other options.

Might I ask about your relationship

to the middleman, Junk, Lord Zatharin?

I would hardly call it a relationship.

I've simply signed a contract

with him to bring me

any potentially valuable sl*ves

that end up in the slums.

Valuable?

Elves, dwarves, avians, demons

That beastkin right there is

a fine piece of merchandise as well.

How did you know that he was a beastkin?

It's quite obvious from his appearance.

Besides, I would expect the kind of person

who would come to me directly

to purchase sl*ves

to bring a rare specimen of their own.

He's a prize piece indeed!

Don't do it.

Now, what kind of sl*ve are you seeking?

I heard word of a sl*ve auction

happening in the capital very soon.

I wish to attend.

I see.

You'll need to undergo

a review to attend the auction.

You'll need to reveal your status

and enact at least six sl*ve transactions.

It would likely take about half a year.

I will pay whatever it takes.

No, I don't need your money.

But perhaps, instead

If you would be willing to offer me

that fine beastkin sl*ve of yours

I could take you to the auction

as the daughter of a distant relative.

Really? That's all that it would take?

Then I gladly accept your offer.

I CONSIDERED A NEGOTIATED RESOLUTION,

BUT MAY I BIFF AND POW THOSE NOBLEMEN INSTEAD?

I never would have dreamed

Here at the center of the city

that is home to important members of court,

the forbidden possession and purchase

of sl*ves is conducted so brazenly.

It seems the plan was a success.

Lord Zatharin did exactly as you predicted.

Yes. But I was surprised

There really are some things

you don't resolve through punching.

Ouch. That was a joke.

The auction is three nights from now?

Are you certain of your decision?

Although I can clear up your sl*ve brand

after the deed is done,

I cannot guarantee your safety

in the meantime.

He made it sound like

he'd put me up for auction.

I don't think he'd let anyone

hurt me before then.

I'm partly doing it for the mission,

but I also want to do this to

make up for trying to k*ll you.

I'm sleepy.

Beastkin are typically nocturnal,

are they not?

Yeah.

My goodness. Making so much trouble

for your mistress

Still, you did well.

Let's return to the inn and rest.

How did it go?

It went well.

You actually managed to

resolve it without punching?

That's a surprise.

I wish I could have seen

such a rare sight for myself,

but the prince of the realm

can't simply go and buy sl*ves.

Well done, both of you.

It was nothing.

Where are you going?

I wish to get some fresh air.

What a coincidence.

I was just hoping to step outside myself.

How long do you intend to follow me?

As it happens, I have

business down this street.

Hey, silver lady!

We've got delicious apple pie here!

You're so pretty, if you buy one,

we'll throw in an apple for free!

I'll buy two, and take two free apples.

Deal!

Ten silvers for a mithril necklace!

An inferior product like this?

You'd be lucky to get two!

I see a resentful woman's

spirit stalking you.

Just one resentful spirit?

I'm sure she can handle it.

If I may, my plainly-dressed

golden-haired lord

What is it, my plainly-dressed

silver-haired lady?

Do you still have business down this street?

Oh, I made that up.

Did you really believe me?

You're still innocent in some ways, I see.

I want to slug him.

I'll return to the i—

My goodness

The flavor of apples and honey

filling every corner of my mouth

I'm sorry. I went a bit overboard, didn't I?

If you think you can buy

my favor back so easily

Here, you can have mine too.

Very well. You are

in my good graces once more.

You seem quite familiar with this city.

I used to slip away from

the academy to look around.

Playing hooky, you mean?

What do you think of my kingdom's

prized merchants' quarter?

Ah, well.

When Prince Kyle used to

send me out to buy him lunch,

I never had time to look around.

I now see that it's quite a lively place.

I've enjoyed my time here.

I'm glad to hear it.

That apple pie I gave you

Every time I came out here,

I thought about how I'd like you to try it.

Was he hoping to show me around

the merchants' quarter?

Had he simply admitted that,

I wouldn't have been so unkind.

He's truly a contrarian.

I hate feeling bored.

When I was a child, the only things

that caught my interest

were twisted and ugly things.

As first prince, I was surrounded by fools

trying to curry my favor

and get things from me.

However

If the second prince frightens you,

you don't have to suffer in silence.

Why don't you simply tell my father?

Me? Frightened of Prince Kyle?

That's a very funny joke you've made.

Then I met you.

Prince Julius?

I find most things in this world boring.

So I would like at least the small

corner of the world that I inhabit

to be filled with things that interest me.

And right now, the most

interesting thing to me

Scarlet

is you.

I realize that what I feel is not the same

as traditional romantic love.

But I will say this one thing

Scarlet. You are dear to me.

More dear than anything else in this world

Was that just another way

for you to tease me?

As promised, I shall

give you my house's sl*ve.

In exchange, I ask that

you honor our agreement.

Agreed.

At least, that's what I'd like to say

But before I agree to anything, I wish

to confirm that he is truly a beastkin.

You doubt me?

Certainly not.

But it's not without precedent

for a wicked person to dress their sl*ve up

as a rare breed to fetch a higher price.

A wicked person, you say?

Nanaka. Turn into your beast form.

Very well.

Magnificent!

He'll be the crown jewel of the auction!

I'm glad to see you so pleased.

Master.

Is this girl the sl*ve we're taking in today?

Certainly not, Donovan.

The lady is a customer.

Yeah? Not her, huh?

Half-human, half-magibeast a lycanthrope?

I do apologize.

He's quite an ill-tempered brute,

even for a sl*ve.

So this beastkin here is the sl*ve?

Yes. Be most cautious in how you handle him.

Yeah, right. Beastkin are known

for their quick regeneration.

C'mon, you!

Do what you're told, mongrel!

I can see your pet here

needs a bit more discipline.

If you find it too stupid to learn,

I could administer punishment in your stead.

I'll tear you to pieces, you little b*tch

Best not to provoke him, my dear.

The man's a former A-rank adventurer.

You'd have to be on the level of a

knight-captain to handle a monster like him.

Yes? What of it?

I'm warning you to watch what

you say, for your own safety!

Too late for that, Master.

You think I'll let that slide

'cause she's a woman or a customer?

You've pissed me off, b*tch!

Really, Donovan, this is no time

for a comedy routine.

It's not! I'm pulling as hard as I can!

I dunno how she's doing it

Lord Zatharin, will Donovan here

be put up for auction as well?

N-No, he's my personal bodyguard

and trainer for the other sl*ves.

I see. Then I shall not

hesitate to kick his a*s.

Kick his?

Discipline complete.

You poor thing.

Did he hurt you?

Blow, gentle wind.

Heal his wounds.

I'll be back for you soon.

Bear it for this short while.

Now, regarding payment

for the broken window

N-No need!

I'm grateful, in fact!

I always struggle

to discipline Donovan properly!

I swear to do no more harm

to your precious merchandise!

Th-That's right! Let's discuss where we'll

meet up on the day of the auction

Oh. I know this carriage.

I've found you at last

Scarlet.

I'd like the whole story

once we're back at the palace.

That worthless prince.

How could you both be so reckless?!

Don't be so angry, Leo.

We learned the location of the sl*ve auction.

All's well that ends well.

But you put yourself at risk to get it!

Surely you know how much

you mean to this kingdom!

He's right, Prince Julius.

You should take this as a lesson.

And you are my precious little sister.

I don't want to see you throw yourself

into danger any more.

Leo

MAD DOG NOBLEWOMAN

- Despite the terrible nicknames you've earned,

MAD DOG NOBLEWOMAN

- you're still an innocent maid of seventeen!

So, how is your investigation coming?

Of course.

It seems Godwin himself

is the organizer of this auction.

I hear the auction will be

two nights from now.

Two nights from now?!

We need to prepare at once!

I'll write up an outline, pick out personnel,

choose their placement

What is it? You seem to be staring at me.

You want more?

But as you can see,

I have no apple pie today.

If you want some, I'll send a servant for it.

I'm not that much of a glutton.

Let's begin planning for

the night of the sl*ve auction.

Scarlet, you should return home. Understand?

I refuse.

Good.

Wait, what?!

That is one thing I cannot do.

Why are you so determined?

Because you want to hit Godwin?

From the time my engagement

to Prince Kyle was canceled to now,

I've been through many things.

I've stopped holding myself back and become

the Mad Dog Noblewoman once more.

I've beaten up more men

than I can easily count.

Wait, I didn't know you'd been

causing that much trouble

I've met all kinds of people,

including those made into sl*ves

and forced to carry out orders.

Children begging in the streets

for their daily bread.

Nobles eager to break the law

to enrich themselves.

A golden-haired lord whose only

pleasure in life is provoking me.

Hey, was that last one me?

Ever since I was a child,

I've wondered something.

Why does this world seem designed

to make the good-hearted suffer,

while the wicked prosper?

Those who willfully trample

on the weak are cunning

and cannot be punished through normal means.

Prime Minister Godwin and his ilk

are the epitome of this principle.

Scarlet

I was raised in a walled garden,

and I know little of the world,

but there is one thing

that I can say for certain.

That is

Self-serving, greedy nobles

are the most satisfying to punch!

Why was that your conclusion?!

Besides, the only person allowed

to punch a high-ranking noble

is the daughter of a prominent duke

like me, right?

Well, she has a point.

How are you agreeing with her?!

It was one thing when she was a child,

but nowadays, if she biffs and pows

her way through the noble classes,

it will ruin our house's reputation!

Really, Brother.

"Biffs and pows" is a rather charming

euphemism, don't you think?

Leo, can't you think of a more

dignified way to put it?

My choice of words is not the issue here!

Besides, the upper nobility are not

the only ones involved in this matter.

There's a chance Godwin

is connected to Vankish.

The Vankish Empire

It's had border skirmishes with Pallistan

for the last three hundred years—

a land of "might makes right"

governed by dragon riders.

I thought we'd established

relatively friendly relations

since the last peace talks, though.

We're still looking into the details,

but we believe the Vankish Aerial Corps,

the Redsky Dragoons,

have been in contact with Godwin.

Scarlet El Vandimion.

Her disruption of the second prince's ball

has sent all our plans off-course.

I'd like to ask you to get rid of her.

A common soldier, thinking he can

throw his weight around with me

Now, don't be so angry.

Look at this, would you?

A present from Goddess Palmia.

I already have one of her

magic items. This pendant.

What can that lacquered cylinder do?

It can take the life of even

your most fearsome of enemies.

Use it without mercy

against those in your way.

MAY I GO TO SEE MY FISTS'

BELOVED ONE (PUNCHING BAG)?